2014 homeless point-in-time count training. everyone counts everyone counts training agenda training...

2014 Homeless Point-in-Time Count

Training

Everyone Counts

Training Agenda

Welcome & Introductions Purpose of Count Conducting the Count Understanding the Survey Instrument Helpful Tips & Advice Q & A

Everyone Counts

Introductions

Name Why I’m counting Count experience Experience with homelessness

Why Am I Here?

Message from Amy Casavina Hall of United Way of Greater New Haven about the importance of the PIT count.

Everyone Counts

Count Overview Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

required by HUD Unduplicated, one-night count of

sheltered & unsheltered adults, youth, and children

Subpopulation data Sixth state-wide count January 23, 2014 www.schomeless.org

Everyone Counts

Why We Count

Support local planning efforts Identify the scope and trends of

homelessness and gaps in services Improve services Justify new/expanded services Promote community/political awareness

and advocacy efforts

Statewide Effort

Everyone Counts

MACH Region

Aiken

Allendale

Bamberg

Barnwell

Calhoun

Chester

Fairfield

Kershaw

Lancaster

Lexington

Newberry

Orangeburg

Richland

York

Everyone Counts

Methodology

January 23 - 26 ‘Snapshot’ of homelessness Sheltered Count:

• HMIS• Surveys of people in shelters not in HMIS

Unsheltered surveys: Trained volunteers in teams conducting one-on-one interviews with people who may be experiencing homelessness

Everyone Counts

Who We Count

Sheltered Homeless •Emergency shelters, rescue missions, and seasonal shelters •Domestic violence shelters (confidential) •Hotel or motel paid for by public or private funds in lieu of a shelter bed •Imminent risk – 14 days

Everyone Counts

Sheltered Locations Emergency shelters and transitional housing

• City of Columbia Emergency Shelter• Transitions

Domestic violence shelters• Sistercare

Residential programs for runaway/homeless youth

Motels or apartment vouchers paid for by a public or private agency because the individual or family is homeless

Everyone Counts

Who We Count

Unsheltered Homeless •Places not meant for human habitation (e.g., in cars, under bridges, in tents, on streets, in abandoned building, in public restrooms, in garages)

Everyone Counts

Unsheltered Locations Under bridges Parking garages Parks Cemeteries Downtown metro areas near homeless services or meal locations Wooded areas behind gas stations/stores Near churches “Street Sweeps”

Everyone Counts

Key Subpopulations

Persons with:-Long-term physical disabilities/chronic health conditions-Mental illnesses -Developmental disabilities-Substance abuse disorders-HIV/AIDS

Those who are:-Veterans-Victims of domestic violence-Experiencing long-term homelessness

Everyone Counts

What About Doubled Up?

Staying temporarily with friends, family (“couch-surfing”)

Although at risk, HUD does not consider this population homeless

Awaiting HUD direction for future counts

Everyone Counts

PIT Count Form

Survey Instrument Video

Everyone Counts

Interview Tips

Initiate a conversation Introduce yourself and be respectful Speak clearly Explain the count and why you are counting Get informed consent Maintain confidentiality

Everyone Counts

Initiating the Conversation

Explain the PIT and Why We are Counting

“Hi, I’m May, a volunteer with the Point-in-Time Count. Have you heard of the count?”

“Every year area service providers and volunteers try to get an accurate figure on how many people do/did not have a place to stay tonight/January 23rd. May I explain a few things and then ask you some questions?”

Everyone Counts

Interviewing Basics

Practice to feel comfortable before the Count Speak clearly Only ask questions on the form Stick to the format of the questions Repeat questions, when necessary Don’t answer a question for them Avoid Don’t Know/Refused responses

Everyone Counts

Interviewing Basics

Don’t skip questions – Double Check Fill out ENTIRE FORM – Double Check Again Complete shaded areas on form Write clearly and legibly Remain neutral (not, “Wow! That’s terrible!”) Don’t case manage

Everyone Counts

After the Interaction Thank the person

Offer incentive pack

Keep the form in a safe place

Return all forms to County Coordinators within 24 hours

Everyone Counts

Do Not Collect Information On:

People who were formerly homeless – may still be in the culture

Children or youth who are temporarily residing in institutions (emergency foster care, treatment facilities)

Adults living in mental health, chemical dependency or criminal justice facilities

Precariously housed vs. imminent risk (14 Days) Individuals or families that are Doubled Up

Everyone Counts

Community Resources

Everyone Counts

Count Safety

Have a home base – Tillis Center Stay with your team Do not carry money or purses or give money

away, no flashy jewelry Refer to your count schedule for team contact

info Make sure everyone knows the schedule and

the emergency plan

Everyone Counts

Emergency Procedures

Focus on prevention - do not take chances – be smart, be careful, prevent accidents before they happen

Emergency – 911

Non-emergency line – 803-252-2911

Everyone Counts

Count Gear Layered clothes with pockets and comfy

shoes Picture ID Flashlight Pens Clipboards Charged cell phone Count Forms Schedules

Everyone Counts

2013 PIT Count State Total: 6035

•Emergency Shelter: 1535 •Transitional Housing: 1384

•Unsheltered: 3116

28.3%

From 2011

Everyone Counts

2013 PIT Count MACH Total: 2070

•Emergency Shelter: 609 •Transitional Housing: 463

•Unsheltered: 998

27.7%

From 2011

Everyone Counts

MACH #s by County

Aiken: 15

Allendale: 3

Bamberg: 4

Barnwell: 0

Calhoun: 5

Chester: 20

Fairfield: 18

Kershaw: 54

Lancaster: 9

Lexington: 121

Newberry: 13

Orangeburg: 63

Richland: 1518

York: 187

Everyone Counts

2013 Fun Facts First PIT that Richland County utilized

Columbia Police Department

Big numbers in the state: Richland: 1518 Greenville: 896 Horry: 839

See entire report on www.schomeless.org

Everyone Counts

2013 Fun Facts

MACH represented 34% of the state count

Richland County represented 74% of the MACH count

Everyone Counts

Next Steps Questions?

Shift preferences

Get comfortable with the PIT Count Form

Scout your assigned locations prior to the count

Visit www.schomeless.org

Everyone Counts

Contact Info

Richland County Coordinators May Kirby mkirby@mirci.org 381-1822

Michele Murff lmm16@scdmh.org 397-1341

Makarios Tabor makarios.tabor@uscmed.sc.edu 212-8970

Everyone Counts

THANK YOU